News & Events

Application for land south of Appleford Road

28 Nov 2018

South of Appleford Road – proposed application

The University of Reading is progressing a proposal for development of an area within the boundary of the approved North East Didcot Development, originally indicated as land to be retained for agricultural use. Given its location and the need to deliver new homes, this is being considered for new housing. The 12 hectares would form an integrated part of the wider development, contributing to and being supported by new infrastructure.

Why is this coming forward now?In August 2015, an outline planning application was submitted for Land North East of Didcot. The outline application, which was for 1,880 dwellings, was granted permission in June 2017. The North East Didcot site was allocated to deliver 2,030 homes. This left a deficit of 150 dwellings. These proposals. for up to 150 dwellings, would still sit within this and deliver the total number of new homes originally envisaged by the Local Plan.

The development would contain a range of new homes, of which 40% would be affordable, made up of a mix of affordable rented and shared ownership. The access to the site would be via the North East Didcot Development, with an emergency access / pedestrian and cycle access only to Appleford Road. The proposals will include pedestrian and cycle connectivity to the surrounding development.

Creating open natural habitatA Nature Park will be created around the boundaries, creating a stronger landscaped western edge, increasing green space and improving hedgerows. The Nature Park will provide new recreational opportunities for future and existing residents alongside ecological habitats. The proposals also include additional allotment space, expanding existing provision.

Flood mitigationA flood mitigation and compensation scheme will ensure that development does not take place in areas which are at risk of flooding, with appropriate compensation for flood waters to improve the existing capacity of the open space / area around the Nature Park to retain water during periods of flooding.